Sussex-based international DJs Danny & Ilona Rampling help to bring in the harvest at the 150-acre Kingscote Estate in Sussex. They are pictured picking grapes within the 15-acres of vines at the 2015 harvest.

Danny Rampling moved to Sussex six years ago from London. When he’s not DJing or flying around the world, Danny loves to cook with local produce. A big supporter of English and Sussex wines, he is really interested in the winemaking process and spent time with Kingscote’s winemaker Owen Elias in the winery seeing what happens with the grapes picked.

“I’m a big fan of English wine and especially enjoy trying the wines where I live in Sussex. English wine has come on leaps and bounds and is a far more sophisticated product in recent years with hugely passionate and knowledgeable wine producers raising the quality standards with the likes of Kingscote’s winemaker Owen Elias and its founder, the late Christen Monge. Kingscote Estate released its first wines last year and The Bacchus is delicious. It is my favourite wine; the flavours just explode in your mouth. It goes really well with a fish dish,” said Danny Rampling.

“I find the whole winemaking process fascinating from growing the vines, through to harvest time and the artistry in the winery. I joined the harvest at Kingscote Estate this year. There’s nothing like breathing in the fresh air surrounded by stunning views, whilst supporting local business. I love to cook with fresh ingredients and match a dish with wine. I think it’s so important to support local food and wine producers. This is an industry I want to see succeed and grow, and we can all enjoy the fruits of their labour,” Danny continued.

“2015 has turned into a good year for Kingscote. The quality and volume of the yield has been very exciting to see. The aromatics of the Bacchus in particular were excellent. The harvest started late and we continue with picking in November. A sunny September and October has given us the boost we need after a cool summer. I’m really pleased with the levels of sugars achieved,” said Kingscote winemaker Owen Elias.

To help us all celebrate the harvest season, Mr + Mrs Rampling have come up with the ultimate harvest playlist!

Kingscote Estate is an English wine producer and a venue for weddings, corporate events and private parties. With vineyards, orchards and a winery, it produces Kingscote wines and cyder. The shop sells its Kingscote products, as well as a wide range of English and Sussex sparkling wines. Vineyard tours and fishing are just some of the activities on offer. The stunning 15th century Tithe Barn hosts the Kitchen Academy at Kingscote cookery school and is also available for hire. The 150-acre quintessential English country estate is located in the heart of the Sussex countryside, an hour from London. It previously formed part of the estate owned by the ‘Father of the English country garden’, horticulturist and author William Robinson. The vineyards have been planted within the origins of the English country garden. The Kingscote 2013 wines won Silver and Bronze at the 2015 Decanter World Wine Awards.

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